Lump in throat

You say:

"Lately I've been feeling a lump in my throat. At first it was every few days and lasted only about an hour at a time but now after a few months it seems constant. It feels as though I'm having trouble breathing and swallowing even though it's obvious that I'm not.
I suffer from GAD and health anxiety so I'm very scared. Has anybody had something similar? Should I be worried? Please help."

I went to the net search engine, and typed in "lump in throat." You may want to go to web, also.

This is part of what was said by web site mscmanuals.com

"Some people feel as if they have a lump or mass in their throat when no mass is actually there. If this sensation is unrelated to swallowing, it is termed globus sensation, or globus hystericus (which does not mean the person is hysterical). If people have the sensation but also notice difficulty swallowing, see Difficulty Swallowing. Some people can actually feel a lump on the side of their neck (see Neck Lump).

"Doctors are not sure what causes globus sensation. It may involve increased muscle tension in muscles of the throat or just below the throat or it may also be due to gastroesophageal reflux. The sensation sometimes comes when people experience certain emotions, such as grief or pride, but is often independent of such feelings.

"Globus sensation is not dangerous and does not cause complications. However, certain more serious disorders that affect the esophagus can sometimes be confused with globus sensation.

"People with globus sensation rarely require immediate evaluation by a doctor. The following information can help people decide whether a doctor’s evaluation is needed and help them know what to expect during the evaluation.

"Warning signs
"In people with globus sensation, certain symptoms and characteristics suggest another disorder is present and are cause for concern. They include

• Neck or throat pain
• Weight loss
• Abrupt appearance after age 50
• Pain, choking, or difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia)
• Spitting up (regurgitation) of food
• Muscle weakness
• A mass that is visible or that can be felt
• Progressive worsening of symptoms

When to see a doctor

People who have warning signs should see a doctor within a few days to a week. People who have no warning signs should call their doctor. Depending on the severity and nature of the sensation, doctors may suggest people wait to see how symptoms develop or suggest a mutually convenient time.

"Globus sensation does not require any treatment besides reassurance and sympathetic concern. Sometimes, simply understanding that globus sensation comes with certain moods is all the help people need. No drugs are helpful. However, if any underlying depression, anxiety, or other behavioral disorder seems to be making symptoms more disturbing to people, doctors may try giving an antidepressant drug or referring people to a psychiatrist."

Hey Draegon- just throwing it out there for what it's worth, but a lump in the throat sensation can be related to acid reflux. It can also cause a variety of symptoms some of which you describe. I have acid reflux and get that sensation at times.

Hoping it passes for you

Hi

Yes I get this all the time and its a common anxiety symptom and can be very annoying especially if you have health anxiety. Do all you can to reduce your anxiety and you should see some improvement.

Hibee